May
09

Today in Smithsonian History: May 9, 1838

Engraving of Richard Rush, ca. 1830 by unknown.

Engraving of Richard Rush, ca. 1830 by unknown.

May 9, 1838 Richard Rush (1780-1859), lawyer and diplomat, served as United States Special Agent to acquire James Smithson’s bequest for the United States by prosecuting the suit in the British Court of Chancery. The suit is decided in favor of the United States on May 9, 1838.

Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution Archives

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Posted: 9 May 2019
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